title: Breast cancer management in low resource countries (LRCs): consensus statement from the Breast Health Global Initiative.
abstract: The Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) brought together international breast cancer experts to discuss breast cancer in low resource countries (LRCs) and identify common concerns reviewed in this consensus statement. There continues to be a lack of public and health care professionals' awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Mastectomy continues to be the most common treatment for breast cancer; and a lack of surgeons and anesthesia services was identified as a contributing factor in delayed surgical therapy in LRCs. Where available, radiation therapy is still more likely to be used for palliation rather than for curative treatment. Tumor receptor status is often suboptimally performed due to lack of advanced pathology services and variable quality control of tissue handling and processing. Regional pathology services can be a cost-effective approach and can serve as reference, training and research centers. Limited availability of medical oncologists in LRCs often results in non-specialist providing chemotherapeutic services, which requires additional supervision and training. Palliative care is an emerging field in LRCs that requires investment in training and infrastructure development. A commitment and investment in the development of breast cancer care services by LRC governments and health authorities remains a critical need in LRCs.
authors.affiliation: Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, NK Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Nagi S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: El Saghir
authors.forename: Clement A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Adebamowo
authors.forename: Benjamin O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bird
authors.forename: Marilys
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corbex
authors.forename: Rajendra A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Badwe
authors.forename: Mohammad A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bushnaq
authors.forename: Alexandru
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eniu
authors.forename: Julie R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gralow
authors.forename: Jay K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Harness
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Masetti
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: Massoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Samiei
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Beatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wiafe-Addai
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cazap
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003906:Developing Countries; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic